National Engineers Week Spotlight: Michael Bloom, PE

By working together, engineers develop new technologies, products, and opportunities that change how we live. DCCM is proud to say we employ some of the best engineers in the nation, and we’re honoring them by celebrating #WhatEngineersDo with DiscoverE! This Eweek, we hope that you’ll take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of our DCCM Family of Companies engineers!

Today’s spotlight: Michael Bloom, PE, ENV SP, CFM, BCEE (R.G. Miller Engineers)

1. What would you consider to be your greatest success in using your skills to solve an engineering problem?

I started helping to advocate for the use of the Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Framework in the Harris County/Houston area back in 2013. Now I’m helping Harris County pursue formal verification under Envision for two projects—a roadway corridor project and a wetlands mitigation bank. Envision is a rating system similar to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED is used by architects to make buildings more sustainable. Envision is used by planners and engineers to make horizontal public infrastructure more sustainable.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

Clients that appreciate and encourage creative and out-of-the-box thinking. Clients who strive to increase a project’s social, economic, and environmental outcomes, not just achieve a single objective.

3. What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?

The most successful engineers have a good balance of analytical thinking and emotional intelligence. Engineers that can rigorously use math and logic to define and solve problems are vital. Engineers that can mentor and inspire people are also great. Engineers that can do both operate at a higher level of success. Oh, and excellent writing skills. An engineer that can clearly explain their work and its conclusions in writing will be more successful than an engineer who struggles with this.

4. If you had to leave your house forever but could take one thing with you, what would it be? (Family and pets are coming with you.)

My Go board and stones. “Go” is an ancient board game that originated in the far east about 2,500 years ago. It has been played by cultures that entire time, unlike other ancient games, which have fallen out of favor. My board is bamboo and my stones are “yunzi”—sintered glass.